Monthly Archives: October 2025

October 31, 2025 · 9:25 PM

Your Words, My Fuel

In the past few weeks, I’ve been overwhelmed—in the best way—by your responses to Running in Heels. Over a dozen new Goodreads reviews have poured in, many from book clubs who read and reflected together.

One reader wrote, “Running in Heels is not just a memoir, it’s a mirror…” Another said, “Mary doesn’t sugarcoat anything, but she also never loses her hope.”

These words are more than reviews—they’re reminders that healing is contagious. That when we share our stories, we invite others to share theirs.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. If my story moved you, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a review, share the book, or simply pass it on to someone who needs a little grit and grace.

Upcoming Events: Meet the Author

I’m thrilled to be part of two beautiful events this November—if you’re nearby, I’d love to see you there!

🍂 Texas Proper Dry Goods & Interior Fall Market

📅 November 8, 2025 | 🕙 10 AM – 4 PM 📍 5503 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406 🔗 shoptexasproper.com Come browse local goods and meet artists. Stop by my table to chat. You can grab a signed copy or just say hello.

🎨 Book & Illustrator Show at Fort Bend Art Center

📅 November 29, 2025 | 🕙 10 AM – 4 PM 📍 2012 Ave G, Rosenberg, TX 77471 🔗 artleaguefortbend.org This event celebrates storytelling in all its forms. I’ll be sharing Running in Heels alongside talented illustrators and fellow authors. It’s a beautiful space for creativity and connection.

📽️ P.S. If you haven’t seen it yet, I’ve added the official book trailer to the sidebar. It’s a glimpse into the heart behind the pages—feel free to take a moment and watch.

With gratitude, Mary A. Pérez

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October 23, 2025 · 4:12 PM

“All of Business is About Relationships”

Some messages are meant to be heard. This one poured out of me, and I wanted to share it with you in my own voice. May it meet you where you are ~

As I journey along the way, I have come to realize that I need you. I learn, grow, and I am encouraged by you! You see, there was a period when I was hurting so much I didn’t have time for you. I was too wrapped up in my own little sad state of affairs to consider you. And why not? I was led to believe that I was insignificant, damaged goods, a toss-away. In my bleeding heart, what could I have contributed to you anyway? Why would anyone listen to anything I had to offer? Inside, I was frail, weak, and torn. I felt lonely. I was a mess!

But that was then. This is now: I thrive in hearing you say that I’ve helped you. I am comforted knowing I have made a difference. It could be through a deed—a spoken word, a smile, a written word, or a touch.

Thank you for allowing me to be me and for going on this incredible journey with me. You walked with me in my brokenness and pain. You rooted for me during my shame. You cheered for me because I emerged sane!

I have an endless hope, not a hopeless end!

My messes became my message. My life of peril turned into a life of promise. Through it all, I have gained an astonishing insight. I know that I’m somebody. I have a bright future. I have a purpose. I am needed and loved.

God hasn’t given up on you, so don’t you dare give up on Him. God loves you, and I do, too.

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“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being.”

Acts 17:28


If this message spoke to you, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment, share it with a friend, or let me know how you’re finding hope in your own journey. God bless!

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October 22, 2025 · 5:08 AM

The Shadows of my Baby Sister’s Death

I remember first holding you, so tiny in my arms.
Next thing I knew, you turned two, angelic, and quite the charm.
Your silhouette dances in my dreams before my eyes –
Remembering your joy with my simple lullabies.

I imagine your eyes, your voice, your laughter,
Spending time together, nothing else mattered.
I thought about you often before crawling into bed at night.
I loved you deeply and never wanted you out of my sight.

I wish you could tell me what’s on your mind today?
What are the things you’re longing to say?
Would you have married a wonderful husband?
Live in a castle and have many children?

Oh, if only I could see you now. I would run to you. I would hold you and twirl you around!

Oh, sister, there will always be a hole in my heart,
But I guess, somehow I knew that from the start.

If only I had you to talk to, share secrets with, laugh, and cry
I would not be here thinking: Why? Why did you have to die?

Excerpt, Chapter 2 of Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace

Soft, velvety cheeks. A round, rosy nose. Dark hair like mine, but curly. Eyes, blue that sparkled like the ocean I’d seen in storybooks. I kissed her sweet-smelling face. Her soft, pudgy hand with tiny fingers curled inside mine. Anna melted my heart. I won’t be alone anymore. I caressed her cheeks and whispered, “I’ll stay by your side for always.”

Soon left with the responsibility of caring for Anna, I became her substitute mother. I loved her and took care of her as best as a seven-year-old could.

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October 10, 2025 · 12:28 PM

Happy Birthday to Mama in Heaven

Dear Mama,

It’s been three years since you’ve been gone from us … you would have turned 91 years old today. I know you are celebrating the best birthday ever. On this day, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday in heaven.

I hope you know you are sorely missed. It’s no secret we’ve been through some hard times together. Although you weren’t the perfect mother, I wasn’t the perfect daughter. Perhaps, we were perfect for each other. I pretty much miss everything about you! Never thought I’d say, even your bickering over something or about someone. I miss buying you trinkets, pretty blouses, and taking you to a nice restaurant. It was good to help you forget problems and enjoy your special day. Making you smile meant everything to me.

In the end, it hurt to let you go, but seeing you suffer in pain was worse. I asked the Lord that you’d still be around on Mother’s Day. And God called you home in time; it was on Mother’s Day at 3 pm. You are totally healed now. You have no more pain. There is no discomfort, or tears, or worry. You are with your Savior and loved ones who have gone on before you. Please send them all my love.

I will never forget you. Sending you kisses and all my love, Mama.

Always your Little Girl.

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October 10, 2025 · 10:06 AM

Joyful Gathering at Bruno & George Winery

What a gorgeous, sunny day it was in Sour Lake Texas, a historic town in Hardin County, southwest of Beaumont! My recent book signing at Bruno & George Winery was a heartwarming success, filled with wonderment, meaningful conversations, and shared excitement. Stories were shared, books were sold, and my eldest daughter accompanied me showcasing her own talented artwork.

I wish to express my deepest thanks to everyone who came out. Special thanks to Shawn Bruno for hosting us so graciously.

If you haven’t yet read my memoir, it’s available through Amazon—a story of resilience, faith, and legacy. We’re presently working on a Spanish edition to honor my Puerto Rican heritage and reach even more hearts. You can support this journey through our GoFundMe Campaign.

Stay tuned for future book signings and events. And if you’d like to invite me to your book club or community gathering, I’d love to hear from you! Contact me

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Video

A Glimpse into Grace: My Memoir Trailer Is Here

I’ve always believed stories can heal. This trailer is a glimpse into mine—a journey through grief, faith, and the quiet miracles of everyday life. It’s a tribute to my Puerto Rican roots. It honors my family’s legacy. It also celebrates the resilience that carried me through seasons of loss. Watch the trailer. Let it speak to your heart. And if it moves you, consider sharing it or supporting the Spanish edition through my GoFundMe. Together, we can bring this story to even more souls who need it.

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October 1, 2025 · 10:41 AM